Xi'an
One-day Bus Tour 3

Xi’an is one of the ancient capitals of
China, and as such has become one of the most visited historical
centers of Asia. On this tour you will first visit the
archeological site of Banpo Village, built more than 6,000 year
ago, and you will see how the resident matriarchic tribe used to
survive in the Neolithic age. The site hosts a collection of
utensils and a reconstruction of the primitive buildings typical
of this village. Afterwards, you will see one of the most fabled
attractions of China: the Emperor’s Terracotta Army. The Terra
Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological
excavations of the 20th century. These terracotta warriors and
horses are the size of a real army, and were buried alongside
the Emperor in a vast underground palace. Today they constitute
a spectacular monument to the power and resources of Imperial
China, and to the religious beliefs that informed Chinese
spirituality throughout the ages.

TOUR ITINERARY

Tour
code:
XA-BUS3

1. Your driver and guide will
pick you up from your hotel between 8:00-8:30am,
thus beginning your day’s tour.

2. We will first head out for
the Banpo Neolithic Village, and it will take us
about 1 hour of driving to arrive there.

3. We’ll arrive at the
Banpo Neolithic Village.
The Banpo Museum is the first prehistoric excavation
site museum in China. Banpo (half slope) Village was
a typical Neolithic Matriarchal community of the
Yangshao (Respect Splendid) culture (5000-3000 BC)
around 6000 years ago. The Yangshao culture was
named after the first discovery of this civilization
in Yangshao, Henan Province. About 400 sites of this
type have been discovered around the Yellow River
Basin, and the Banpo site is the largest one. The
site was discovered in 1953 during the construction
of a power plant. The excavation work lasted four
years, and the Banpo site was first opened to the
public in 1958. (1 hr)

4. Then we’ll drive to our next
destination, the place that made Xian known the
world over, the Terracotta Warriors. The
Museum of Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses
is the result of the most significant archeological
excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at
this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of
Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum (which we will
take 30 minutes to visit after touring the
Terracotta Warriors). Upon ascending the throne at
the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the
first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for
his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is
speculated that many buried treasures and
sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in
his afterlife. A group of peasants uncovered some
pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal
tomb in 1974. Life size terracotta figures of
warriors and horses arranged in battle formations
are the star features at the museum. They are
replicas of what the imperial guard should look like
in those days of pomp and vigor. (2 hr)

5. Next we will take a break
for some lunch. For lunch we will be having some
Shaanxi cuisine, the provincial style of this area.
Shaanxi Cuisine, also known as Qin Cuisine, is the
representative culinary achievement in the northwest
China. It makes frequent use of salt, vinegar,
capsicum and garlic, making the savory flavor of
sour, spicy and fragrant. (30 min)

6. Next, we’ll indulge in a
little shopping, and since Xian has seen so much
history and activity, you’re sure to find something
interesting at the market we’ll go to. Like in every
market in China, bargaining is the norm. If you’re a
little shy your guide will be happy to lend you a
hand! In addition, we’ll also visit a terracotta
factory, where you’ll learn how they create the
material that is famed the world over for its use in
the Terracotta Warriors. (30 min)

7. By 5:30pm, you will be
dropped off at your hotel, allowing you to have time
for dinner and any other evening activities you want
to do during your time in Xian. If you’re looking
for something to do this evening you can sign up for
our night culture tour, or if you’re looking at
extending your stay in Xian and/or China than please
head to our China City tour and China package tours
pages to learn more about how to turn your China
vacation into a China adventure!

Tour Inclusions：
1. Professional local guide
& driver;
2. Private air-conditioned
car or van for transportation;
3. Admission of the first
gate.